Disabling MAC Address Randomization for EIU Wi-Fi
Most phones, tablets, and laptops now use a random MAC address for each Wi-Fi network by default, instead of the device's real hardware address. This is a privacy feature, but it causes problems on networks that need to recognize your device consistently.
To connect to EIU Wi-Fi and get the best experience, you'll need to turn this feature off (or set it to "Fixed") for our network specifically. This does **not** affect the setting on other Wi-Fi networks you use.
iPhone / iPad (iOS)
1. Open **Settings** > **Wi-Fi**.
2. Find **[Network Name]** in the list. You don't need to be connected to it.
3. Tap the **(i)** icon next to the network name.
4. Tap **Private Wi-Fi Address**.
5. Set it to **Off**, or choose **Fixed** if that's the only option offered.
6. If you were already connected, tap **Forget This Network**, then rejoin and enter the password again.
Android
Menu names vary a bit by phone manufacturer (Samsung, Pixel, etc.), but the path is similar:
1. Open **Settings** > **Network & Internet** (some phones show "Connections").
2. Tap **Wi-Fi**, then tap the gear icon next to **[Network Name]**.
3. Tap **Advanced** (or **Privacy**, depending on the device).
4. Find **Randomized MAC** or **Use randomized MAC**.
5. Change it to **Use device MAC** (sometimes labeled "Phone MAC").
6. Reconnect to the network if needed.
Windows 11
1. Click **Start** > **Settings**.
2. Go to **Network & internet** > **Wi-Fi**.
3. Click **Manage known networks**.
4. Select **[Network Name]** and click **Properties**.
5. Turn **Use random hardware addresses** to **Off**.
6. Reconnect to the network if needed.
Mac (macOS)
1. Click the **Apple menu** > **System Settings**.
2. Select **Wi-Fi** in the sidebar.
3. Click the **Details** (or **Info**) button next to **[Network Name]**.
4. Next to **Private Wi-Fi Address**, choose **Off**, or select **Fixed** if that's the available option.
5. Click **OK** to save.
6. Reconnect to the network if needed.
Still having trouble connecting?
- Double check you edited the setting for EIU Wi-Fi specifically, not just the global Wi-Fi privacy setting.
- Forget the network and rejoin from scratch.
- Restart the device's Wi-Fi (toggle it off and on) after changing the setting.
- Contact [IT Help Desk contact info] if you're still stuck.